Government. Ecuador is a constitutional democracy. Political life is focused on caudillos within a contemporary system of coalitions that features from seven to twenty political parties. parties constantly coalesce and fragment, but a few, such as the Social Christians, the Leftist Democrats, and various populist parties, endure. The judicial system is based on the Napoleonic code, wherein a person is treated as guilty until proven innocent. The military is the most powerful force within the country, and the police force is substantial. Poor people have little recourse to police help, and the idea and practice of justicia por propia mano (‘‘justice by one’s own hand’’) is increasingly prevalent. The military system of socioeconomic mobility stresses the doctrine of mestizaje. During social movements, including uprisings, the military takes control but more often than not serves as a forceful mediator rather than as an oppressor. More...